Exclusive: Behind the ‘V’ Controversy

I missed the series premiere of “V,” but not the ongoing flap afterwards. The remake of the 1984 sci-fi classic seems to have hit a lot of nerves on the left and found an audience on the right. Left-wing media types are outraged that the series “degrades” the Obama administration, and some on the right are wondering if a Hollywood talent has been dismissed from his job for political reasons. As I write this, I’m watching O’Reilly go on about “the writers taking shots at President Obama.” 

As it happens, I’m acquainted with Scott Peters who developed and wrote the remake of “V” for ABC.  Mr. Peters was also the creator and executive producer of “The 4400” and a writer for “The Outer Limits.” As far as I know Mr. Peters has only made one mistake in his career and that was directing me in the low-budget film “Don: Plain and Tall” back in 2003. It was the story of my friend comedian Don McMillan’s life as a comic. I played myself in the film and the part was horribly miscast. 

When I started reading some of the rumors and theories about Mr. Peters’ latest show and the behind-the-scenes politics, I laughed out loud.  Let me try to shed some light on the “V” controversy. (more…)

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Tags: abc, Bill O'Reilly, Don McMillan, sci -fi, science fiction
Posted Nov 5th 2009 at 1:14 pm in Featured Story, Politics, Television | 258378134 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjena/2009/11/05/exclusive-behind-the-v-controversy/Exclusive%3A+Behind+the+%27V%27+Controversy2009-11-05+21%3A14%3A48Jeffrey+Jena

There Is Something Wrong With My Television

The way I see it television needs, among other things, the following:

1. Science Fiction/Thriller/Horror Channel

A short form/short film channel showcasing those genres. Independent producers, writers, creators could submit work to be aired. It wouldn’t have to be, nor should it be at the Sundance level of professionalism delivered on DigiBeta and starring Cameron Diaz doing a favor for the filmmaker because it’s her friend’s cousin, either.

We don’t want that. There’s plenty of that kind of venue and they turn down 99% of the stuff submitted anyway, mainly because it’s not the work of someone’s friend’s cousin. So forget that right away. It has to be underground, guerilla, shoestring and, most important, good. Very good. Damn good. But not expensive. How can you do that, you say? 

With writing.   (more…)

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Tags: 80s, acting, alfred hitchcock presents, animation, channel
Posted Sep 3rd 2009 at 4:21 pm in Culture, Film | 214402132 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smann/2009/09/03/there-is-something-wrong-with-my-television/There+Is+Something+Wrong+With+My+Television2009-09-03+23%3A21%3A25Schizoid+Mann